Northern Boulevard Bleeds—Who Will Stop the Next Death?

Three eastbound vehicles collided in a chain reaction on Queens’ 98th Street. Following too closely caused rear-end impacts. A 61-year-old driver suffered back injuries and whiplash. The crash exposed dangers of tailgating in congested traffic.

According to the police report, a chain-reaction collision occurred on Queens’ 98th Street near Northern Boulevard at 4:46 a.m. Three eastbound vehicles—a 2018 Dodge SUV, a 2015 Chrysler sedan, and a 2024 Honda sedan—were involved. The report cites "Following Too Closely" as a contributing factor for at least two drivers, indicating failure to maintain safe distance in slowing or stopped traffic. The 61-year-old male driver of one sedan was injured, suffering back injuries and whiplash, and was conscious at the scene. All drivers held valid New York licenses. The impact points were center front and center back ends of the vehicles, consistent with rear-end collisions. This crash underscores the systemic danger posed by tailgating in congested urban traffic, as documented by the police report's emphasis on driver error without attributing fault to any victims.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4733193 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 66-year-old woman crossing with the signal on Northern Boulevard was struck by a right-turning sedan. The impact caused contusions and shock. Alcohol involvement was cited as a contributing factor, highlighting driver error in this late-night collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 11:49 PM on Northern Boulevard in Queens. A 66-year-old female pedestrian, crossing with the signal at the intersection, was injured when a 2019 Subaru sedan, making a right turn, struck her with its right front bumper. The pedestrian suffered contusions and shock, with injuries to her entire body. The report identifies alcohol involvement as a contributing factor, pointing to impaired driver judgment. The driver was licensed and traveling eastbound. Another sedan, an Audi, was also involved but the primary impact on the pedestrian came from the turning Subaru. The report does not list any contributing factors related to the pedestrian's actions. This collision underscores the dangers posed by impaired driving and turning vehicles failing to yield to pedestrians.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4731764 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Senate backs S 9752. Mt. Vernon gets green light for up to 20 school speed zones. Law aims to slow cars near kids. Most senators vote yes. A few say no. Streets may change. Danger remains for the young.

Senate Bill S 9752, sponsored by Jamaal Bailey, authorizes Mt. Vernon to launch a school speed zone demonstration program, with up to twenty zones allowed. The bill passed the Senate on June 7, 2024, during a committee vote. The matter title reads: 'Authorizes the city of Mt. Vernon to establish a school speed zone demonstration program; authorizes installation in no more than twenty school speed zones in such city.' Bailey and a majority of senators voted yes, while a handful opposed. The bill targets speeding near schools, a known threat to children and other vulnerable road users. No formal safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 9752, Open States, Published 2024-06-07

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-06-06

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-06-03

Senate backs S 9718. Bill orders safe street design for all. Cyclists, walkers, and riders get new protections. Some senators vote no. The car’s grip loosens, but danger remains.

Senate bill S 9718, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' passed committee votes on May 28 and June 3, 2024. Primary sponsor Sean Ryan, with co-sponsors Liz Krueger, Monica Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Anthony H. Palumbo, and Julia Salazar, pushed the measure. The bill mandates street designs that protect everyone, not just drivers. Most senators voted yes, but a block of no votes showed resistance. The bill’s language centers vulnerable users. It marks a shift: streets must serve people, not just cars.

• File S 9718, Open States, Published 2024-05-28

An e-scooter driver struck himself on Northern Boulevard in Queens. The 40-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg bruises. According to the police report, driver inattention caused the crash. The rider was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle.

According to the police report, a 40-year-old male e-scooter driver traveling west on Northern Boulevard in Queens was injured due to driver inattention or distraction. The crash occurred around 8:00 AM. The rider sustained contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated as moderate (3). The report notes the driver was conscious and remained on the vehicle, not ejected. The contributing factor listed is 'Driver Inattention/Distraction,' highlighting a failure in maintaining focus as the cause. No other vehicles or pedestrians were involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors. The incident underscores the dangers posed by distracted operation of motorized personal vehicles on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4726719 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Lawmakers back speed cameras near Kingston schools. Cameras catch drivers who speed. The bill passed both chambers. It sunsets in 2029. Children and families walk safer, but the fix is temporary.

Senate Bill S 8607, titled 'Establishes a school speed zone camera demonstration program in the city of Kingston,' passed the Senate on June 6, 2024, and the Assembly on June 7, 2024. The bill, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, creates a camera program to catch speeding drivers near schools. The program ends December 31, 2029. The measure saw broad support in both chambers, but some lawmakers voted no. The bill aims to protect children and families on foot near schools, but its impact will end unless renewed. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File S 8607, Open States, Published 2024-05-21

Council moves to light up step streets. At least 25 stairways each year will get new lamps. Dark paths become visible. Pedestrians gain ground. Shadows shrink. Danger loses its cover.

Int 0875-2024 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction on May 16, 2024. The bill reads: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the installation of pedestrian lighting on step streets.' Prime sponsor Joann Ariola, joined by sixteen co-sponsors, pushes for at least 25 step streets to be lit each year until all are covered. Step streets are open-air staircases linking streets at different heights. The bill aims to strip darkness from these paths, making them safer for people on foot. No safety analyst note was provided.

• File Int 0875-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2024-05-16

A 31-year-old male moped driver suffered knee and lower leg abrasions after a nighttime crash in Queens. Police cited unsafe speed and aggressive driving as contributing factors. The rider was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle.

According to the police report, the crash occurred near 96-02 37 Avenue in Queens at 11:50 p.m. The sole occupant, a 31-year-old male moped driver, sustained injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, described as abrasions. The report identifies 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors to the collision. The moped's center front end was the point of impact, indicating a frontal collision. The driver was conscious and not ejected from the vehicle. No other vehicles or pedestrians were reported involved. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing solely on driver errors that led to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4725044 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Three teenagers riding a moped were injured in a collision with an SUV in Queens. The moped driver, unlicensed and distracted, crashed head-on. Two passengers hanging outside suffered bruises and arm injuries. The SUV driver was not cited for errors.

According to the police report, a 2023 Znen moped carrying three occupants collided head-on with a 2007 Hyundai SUV on 105 Street in Queens. The moped driver, a 17-year-old male, was unlicensed and distracted, contributing to the crash. Two passengers, both 16 and 17 years old, were riding or hanging on outside the moped without safety equipment. All three occupants sustained contusions and bruises, with injuries to elbows, lower arms, hands, knees, and lower legs. The SUV driver, traveling east and going straight ahead, was not cited for contributing factors. The report highlights driver inattention and distraction on the moped as key causes, along with driver inexperience. No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4721638 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate passes S 4647. Bill hikes penalties for endangering highway workers. It funds more enforcement. It pushes work zone safety awareness. Lawmakers move to protect workers from reckless drivers.

Senate bill S 4647, titled "Increases penalties for endangerment of a highway worker, promotes work zone safety awareness, and establishes a fund for additional work zone safety enforcement," advanced through committee on April 15, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy, with Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Pamela Helming, Mario Mattera, Robert Rolison, and James Skoufis as co-sponsors, the bill passed multiple Senate votes. The measure targets drivers who endanger highway workers, boosts safety awareness, and funds enforcement. The bill aims to curb driver recklessness in work zones, where danger is high and impact is deadly.

• File S 4647, Open States, Published 2024-04-15

Two sedans collided on 37 Avenue in Queens after aggressive driving escalated the situation. A 26-year-old male driver suffered head injuries and shock, restrained by a lap belt. The crash involved multiple vehicles, with significant front bumper damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:58 on 37 Avenue, Queens, involving multiple sedans. The report cites 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as a contributing factor. One driver, a 26-year-old male occupant, sustained head injuries and was in shock, wearing a lap belt at the time. The vehicles involved included a 2015 Ford sedan that was parked before impact and two other sedans traveling east and west. The collision points were primarily on the front bumpers, indicating a forceful impact. The report highlights aggressive driving as the key driver error, with no other contributing factors specified. The injured driver was not ejected but complained of pain and nausea, underscoring the severity of the crash dynamics.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4715051 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate passes S 2714. Bill pushes complete street design. Aim: safer roads for all. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders get space. Car dominance challenged. Lawmakers move to cut street carnage.

Senate bill S 2714, titled 'Enables safe access to public roads for all users by utilizing complete street design principles,' advanced through committee and passed several Senate votes, most recently on March 27, 2024. Sponsored by Timothy M. Kennedy with support from Jake Ashby, Jamaal Bailey, and others, the bill mandates street designs that protect everyone—not just drivers. The measure saw strong support but faced opposition from some senators. By requiring complete street principles, S 2714 aims to reduce danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users. The bill marks a shift away from car-first planning, forcing cities to build streets for people, not just traffic.

• File S 2714, Open States, Published 2024-03-27

Two SUVs collided in Queens at 11:15 AM. The female driver of one vehicle suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as contributing factors. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage in the impact.

According to the police report, two SUVs collided near 37-27 107 Street in Queens at 11:15 AM. The female driver of a 2017 Nissan SUV, traveling west, was injured with neck trauma and whiplash but remained conscious and was not ejected. She was restrained by a lap belt and harness. The report identifies "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as a contributing factor to the crash. The Nissan SUV sustained damage to its right front bumper, while the other vehicle, a 2020 Jeep SUV traveling south, was damaged on its left front quarter panel. Both drivers were licensed in New York. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved. The collision was caused by driver error, specifically inattention or distraction, highlighting systemic dangers posed by lapses in driver focus.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4711389 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Senate passes S 6808. The bill creates first responder safety zones. It sets speed limits in these zones. Lawmakers act after crashes and close calls. The vote is strong. The danger is real. The streets demand change.

Senate bill S 6808, titled 'Relates to establishing first responder safety zones and setting speed limits in such safety zones,' moved through committee and passed multiple Senate votes between May 2023 and March 2024. Primary sponsor John Mannion led the push, joined by Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Iwen Chu, and Pamela Helming. The bill aims to carve out protected zones for first responders and lower speed limits in those areas. The measure passed with broad support, reflecting urgency after repeated crashes near emergency scenes. The bill’s text and votes show lawmakers responding to the deadly toll of reckless driving near first responders. Vulnerable road users—pedestrians, passengers, and responders—stand in harm’s way. The bill targets that risk.

• File S 6808, Open States, Published 2024-03-20

A pickup driver with a record killed an 8-year-old in Queens. He pleaded not guilty. The court let him keep his license. He still drives. The boy’s family mourns. Politicians and advocates demand action. Streets stay deadly. Children pay the price.

On March 18, 2024, Jose Barcia, a pickup truck owner with a long history of unlicensed driving, pleaded not guilty to criminally negligent homicide after fatally striking 8-year-old Bayron Palomino Arroyo and injuring his brother in Queens. At arraignment, Barcia was released without surrendering his license. The Queens District Attorney’s office did not seek revocation. State Sen. Jessica Ramos led a rally, citing 'reckless drivers who refuse to yield to pedestrians' and called for stronger pedestrian safety, saying, 'driving is a privilege that can, and should be, taken away.' Adam White, a lawyer for crash victims, said the DA should have insisted Barcia not drive. The rally highlighted rising road deaths—48 killed citywide in early 2024—and called out the city’s failure to protect its most vulnerable. Vision Zero’s mission, Ramos argued, has been 'desecrated.'

• Driver Who Cops Say Killed Queens Boy is Still on the Road After Not Guilty Plea, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-18

A pickup driver killed an 8-year-old and injured his brother on 100th Street. The driver rushed a left turn, trying to beat traffic. Charges followed. State Sen. Ramos called for speed limits, fewer cars, and safer streets. The avenue is a known danger.

On March 13, 2024, in East Elmhurst, Queens, a pickup truck driver killed 8-year-old Bayron Palomino Arroyo and injured his 10-year-old brother as they crossed 100th Street. The driver, Jose Barcia, rushed a left turn from 31st Avenue and struck the children, according to NYPD Chief of Transportation Philip Rivera. Barcia faces charges of criminally negligent homicide, failure to yield, failure to exercise due care, and speeding. State Senator Jessica Ramos responded, calling for passage of 'Sammy's Law' to let the city set its own speed limits. Ramos said, 'I fight so hard for improved public transit because there are too many cars on the road, particularly SUVs and pickup trucks that do not allow for full visibility in city streets.' She urged fewer cars, especially large vehicles, and stressed the need for pedestrian safety in the budget. 31st Avenue, where the crash happened, saw 74 crashes and 47 injuries last year, far more than nearby, mostly car-free 34th Avenue.

• HORROR IN QUEENS: Child Killed, Another Injured by Reckless Driver, Streetsblog NYC, Published 2024-03-13